Knowing that we are in the 21st Century, women are still considered
as immature, irresponsible and if employed they are prevented from being
promoted to key position with very seldom exception.
It is very difficult for millions of poor women to
access basic services and rights such as credit,
pensions and voting without identification cards and
birth certificates.
Egypt is committed to increasing educational
opportunities for women. Currently, 58% of adult
women are illiterate, compared to 35% of adult men.
In rural areas, there is a marked gender gap in
enrollment and education.
Economically, while constituting 30% of professional
and technical workforce, women comprise only 17% of
Egypt's administrators and managers and 5% of its
high government officials. The vast majority of
women workers are employed in the service or
agricultural sectors, and in the informal sector.
On the other hand officials confirm equal opportunity principle through the
ratification of International and Arab conventions related to human rights and
participation in conferences related to woman rights, specifically the Beijing
conference.
Egypt has made progress toward meeting the
conventions’ goals with regards to legal and social
inequality. Some substantial legal reforms
concerning the status of women have been undertaken,
but gender inequality persists in Egyptian society.
In spite of the significance and appreciation of women role in society being
a mother, sister or wife, a tacit concept governed by customs and traditions
classifies women in a lower grade than men which leads to humiliation, non
productivity and prevent innovation. |
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